Niagara Poverty Reduction Network Calculates Living Wage

According to the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network; the living wage is $17.99

That’s with the annual cost of household living expenses for a family of four pegged over $71,000.

Chair Glen Walker explains what a living wage is.

“It is an evidence-based hourly rate at which a household can meet its basic cost of living needs, once government transfers have been added to the family’s income and deductions have been subtracted. Included in the calculation are food, shelter, clothing, transportation, child care, non-OHIP medical insurance, continuing adult education, and items that allow for fuller participation in society, such as communication, family outings, and local recreation.”

The Network has released two reports on the matter.

One is titled Calculating the Cost of Living for Niagara Region and the other is called Calculating the Living Wage for Niagara Region. You can read both reports online here.